15 Sarah Jessica Parker-Inspired Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a black dress while posing on a red carpet — Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker may be known for her role as one of television’s most fashionable New Yorkers, Carrie Bradshaw, but it isn’t just her on-screen character that has earned SJP her stylish reputation. Her red-carpet looks also serve as a source of inspiration for women all over the world, especially when it comes to balancing fashion with practicality. That being said, Parker is an excellent muse to turn to when choosing an outfit as the mother of the bride or groom.

Even when experimenting with different designs and silhouettes, the actress still manages to look as elegant and sophisticated as ever. Also, SJP knows how to pull a look together down to the right accessories and shoes—after all, she is Carrie Bradshaw.

Ahead, we’ve put together five of Parker's best red-carpet fashion moments for all moms to peruse, plus options to get the look yourself.

While attending the 44th Deauville American Film Festival, Parker didn’t shy away from sparkles. She walked the carpet in a dark navy sequined midi dress with flared sleeves. As for accessories, SJP kept things simple and let the dress take center stage, opting for minimalist dangle earrings and silver open-toe heels.

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus $131

Size: 0-14 | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Length: Floor

For a black tie or cocktail winter wedding, we're eyeing this Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon sequin gown for bold mothers of the bride or groom. The cape sleeves make for an elegant addition to this subtly glam dress.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $598 View On Lordandtaylor.com

Size: 2-24 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

One detail we love about this SJP look is the contrasted black belt that’s woven into the design. This gown from Mac Duggal offers a similar effect with horizontal bead detailing that accents the bodice.

Courtesy of Karen Millen

View On Karenmillen.com

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini

Parker’s red carpet dress features fluted sleeves, which is similar to the sleeves on this look from Karen Millen. While this mini may not seem appropriate for a colder-weather wedding, it is made with a velvet material that reads winter. Just be sure to pair the shorter hemline with nude tights to give the illusion of bare legs without sacrificing warmth.

Black may not be a traditional mother-of-the-bride dress color, but Parker proves that the look could work with this elegant lace ball gown. The actress styled this outfit with a pendant necklace and Carrie Bradshaw's iconic staple heels from Manolo Blahnik.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $150

Size: 2-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Knee

A little black sheath dress is a look that will never go out of style. This sophisticated option is made from black lace and features a boat neckline and a shirred waist, making for a flattering silhouette.

Courtesy of Davidâs Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size: 0X- 5X | Materials: Nylon, rayon, spandex | Length: Knee

Mothers of the bride or groom, you cannot go wrong with this lace-scalloped dress from David’s Bridal. If you are hesitant to wear black-on-black on the wedding day, this option also comes in nude with a black lace overlay.

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

Size: XS-L | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

For those in the market for a splurge-worthy dress, look no further than this Oscar de la Renta lace midi. This timeless ensemble is made with guipure tulip lace for an understated yet luxe look.

For an event celebrating the New York City Ballet, SJP walked the carpet wearing a sparkly slate grey ball gown from Zuhair Murad. To complete the look, she paired the intricately beaded dress with a maroon-colored sequin purse and T-strap pointed-toe heels from the actress's namesake SJP collection.

View On Nordstrom $619 View On Verishop.com View On Verishop.com $619

Size: 4-20 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

While it doesn’t have the sparkle of SJP’s ball gown, this dress from La Femme is perfect for mothers looking for a more subtle formal look. What we truly love the most is that the gown is embroidered with floral lace and layers of tulle.

Aidan Mattox Beaded Off-The-Shoulder Gown

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $119

Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

This Aidan Mattox gown features delicate beads and sequin embroidery throughout. The cold-shoulder neckline and popover waist adds a romantic touch to this timeless celebrity-inspired dress.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $110

Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

For a more statement-making mother-of-the-bride dress, we love this A-line silhouette gown. While the intricate beading is enough to make this stunning dress stand out, the sheer cape and flattering boat neckline pull the look together.

While attending the premiere of her film I Don’t Know How She Does It, SJP donned this crochet maxi dress from Antonio Berardi. The style itself is a no-frills, easy-to-wear dress, but leave it to Parker to make it red-carpet-ready. The actress styled the maxi with a black clutch and loose beachy waves.

Courtesy of The Outnet

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Size: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester, metallic, silk | Length: Midi

Like Parker’s dress, this uncomplicated and chic midi is a fool-proof option for a cocktail or semi-formal wedding. The partially-lined design adds a tasteful twist to the overall silhouette.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $248

Size: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

This minimalist floral lace ensemble can be dressed up or down depending on the dress code. Add a pair of nude or black pointed-toe heels for an effortlessly chic moment.

Courtesy of DISSH

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Size: XS-L | Materials: Viscose, nylon | Length: Midi

For a casual beachside or destination wedding, we love this laidback crochet maxi dress from DISSH. Dress up your look with statement earrings or an eye-catching clutch.

We know SJP loves a red carpet dress, but she looks just as incredible in a jumpsuit, as seen here at the EE British Academy Film Awards. Parker wore a velvet three-quarter-length sleeve jumpsuit and paired it with an oversized clutch, black pointed-toe heels, and a statement necklace.

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size: XXS-3XL | Materials: Silk viscose-velvet | Length: Floor

For an option that closely resembles SJP’s red carpet look, we are fans of this black jumpsuit from Rixo. Made from velvet, this style features satin ties and a draped boat neckline.

Courtesy of Karen Millen

View On Karenmillen.com

Size: 2-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Floor

This tuxedo-style jumpsuit is perfect for the mother of the bride or groom looking to take an unconventional approach to her look. Style yours with a statement necklace and a pair of black pumps à la SJP.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $435

Size: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

We can’t help but picture this unique black jumpsuit on a mother of the bride or groom at a black tie or cocktail-attire wedding. The bow detailing and the open back bring a youthful touch to this formal getup.

11 Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses Inspired by Katie Couric's Red Carpet Looks